Word Origin & History

exposition late 14c., "explanation, narration," from O.Fr. exposition, from L. expositionem (nom. expositio), from expositus, pp. of exponere (see expound). The meaning "public display" is first recorded 1851 in reference to the Crystal Palace Exposition in London. Abbreviation Expo is first recorded 1963, in reference to planning for the world's fair held in Montreal in 1967.